Na my Papa Work?

The Niger Delta is more than just a region of resources; it is a heartland of untapped talent, unlimited natural resource potential, and resilient community spirit. Yet millions of the youth population are economically inactive. For too long, the challenges posed by corruption, political deprivation, insecurity and limited opportunities have shadowed this potential. As we blame the role of the government, local, state and federal, for this sad situation in the region, it is time for self-analysis. What role have the people and communities played? What are we doing to help ourselves without relying on the government?

There is a common phrase, “na my papa work?”, which has unfortunately become a casual justification for workplace fraudulent practices and Nigeria’s systemic corruption, disregard for the rule of law and social order. It reflects a deep-seated mindset, particularly among civil servants, the police, customs and excise and others who treat public duty as trivial and can be abused. To initiate meaningful change in our social and economic outcomes, we must first take steps to alter this mindset.

We must accept the reality that, at the core of Nigeria’s social decay, bad leadership and poor economic outcomes stem from a mindset that accepts public goods and resources as free for all, and fails to recognise that these resources require protection and management for the common good. I suggest that we embrace this reality and redefine the phrase to “Yes, it’s our father’s work” to imply common ownership, generational legacy and pride. Nigeria is enduring an existential cultural and behavioural crisis, and its root cause is the collective mindset that feeds bad leadership, manifesting in unbridled corruption and lawlessness. While many dismiss a psychological approach as naive and unworkable, I believe that we can begin the facilitation of a gradual process of learning to do things differently, believing in the power of the human mind to adapt. As a matter of fact, corrupt mindset and practices were learned. Total dependence on the government to make our lives better is the bane.

The Niger Delta is a bastion of untapped talent and abundant human and natural resources, yet millions of its youth are idle and impoverished, shadowed by political corruption, economic incompetence, avarice, insecurity, and a lack of opportunities. While we blame government at all levels for this self-inflicted disaster, it’s time for self-analysis. We must ask the question: What role have the people played in contributing to this situation, and what are we going to do to help ourselves without relying solely on the government? The nature and performance of political or traditional leadership is a reflection of the culture, beliefs and behaviour of the people they lead. A change in consciousness, therefore, the behaviour of the people will shape the behaviour and performance of leadership and result in expected outcomes.

It is a crime against humanity for Rivers and Bayelsa States to record high levels of multidimensional poverty. Rivers State is second to Lagos in revenue, but over 62.4% of the population is in multidimensional poverty. It’s even more dismal and sad for Bayelsa State, with 88.5% of the population in multidimensional poverty. The rest of the Niger Delta states record the following: Akwa Ibom State (71.3%), Cross River State (75.4%), Edo State (35.4%), and Delta State (47.6%). Something must be done differently; otherwise, vultures might be converging for a hell of a feast in the not-too-distant future.

I salute the spirit of all the helpless victims of this unacceptable and totally avoidable economic burden and social shackles imposed by these soulless human caricatures in leadership.

It is time to act. The beer and pepper soup parlour banter has served its time.